Question

The correct sequence of stages in the evolution of Modern Man (Homo sapiens) is
A. Neanderthal Man, Australopithecus, Cro-magnon Man, Homo erectus, Modern man
B. Australopithecus, Homo sapiens, Neanderthal man, Cro-magnon man, Modern man
C. Homo erectus, Australopithecus, Neanderthal man, Cro-magnon man, Modern man
D. Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthal man, Cro-magnon man, Modern man

Answer 1

Hint: Evolution is the process by which a species attains changes in characters, over a period of time through several generations. With consistent genetic variations, occurring over time, there are changes in the phenotypes too. Recombination occurring during sexual reproduction is the basis for evolution.

Complete answer:
The present-day modern man was developed as a result of a process known as Human Evolution. It was studied that both humans and apes had a common primate ancestor, and over time, there occurred a rift and some got developed into the apes species, while some got converted to the early men.
-Australopithecus species were considered as the ancestors to the Homo species, in particular Homo erectus. These species were studied and were found to have existed around 4.2 million years ago in East Africa. The Homo genus is said to have evolved from Australopithecus.
-Homo erectus is also known as upright Man. They existed around 2 million years ago. They were very widely spread, unlike the ancestors, who were limited to certain geographic areas. They had better similarities to the modern-day humans, with human-like gait and proportion of the body. They got involved in activities such as hunting, making and using fire, and group formation.
-Neanderthal man existed in Eurasia. They are assumed to have undergone extinction due to climatic changes, or even competition.
-Cro- magnon Man evolved from the Neanderthals and had a prominent chin, which the ancestors did not have. They are believed to be the immediate ancestors of the common man. They were the tallest Homo species to have existed.
-Homo sapiens or The Modern Man emerged in the African subcontinent around 300,000 years ago. They have an increased brain size and capacity compared to their ancestors.
Thus, the most appropriate answer is D, that is the correct order for human evolution is Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthal man, Cro-magnon man, Homo sapiens.

Note: The evidence to study human evolution is obtained from fossil records. In modern times, the analysis of the DNA obtained is considered to be the most reliable method of estimation.